i ahve not received the model yet i just wanted to know if i had to buy any putty to fill in gaps.no i ahve been building models for about 3 yrs.one question i have is how do you detail the cockpit to make it look real?

As for the puddy question, that depends on the model, some you do, some you don't. Most of mine don't need it because I do very careful trimming with a razor blade before I put it together. You'll have to determine that when you get the model.

As for detailing the cockpit:
The most important thing is to PAINT BEFORE YOU PUT TOGETHER.
Also use and extremely fine tip brush (I also use a second fine tip brush waiting in paint thinner incase of a mistake). Does your model come with a pilot or crew?

Well I'm not sure if what I use in Canada is available in the U.S.
But I would reccomend Humbrol enamel paint for larger pieces, it's a nice paint, thick and rich. However it's a little too thick to detail interiors etc. For that I would use Testors paint. Testors is also excellent for the larger parts, I use both on the large parts depending on which one makes the best colours suited to my model.

As for brush's, well I don't bother worrying about brand when it comes to this. Just find some good quality brush's (you don't need to know brand name's because you can tell which are good). Also the good one's are usually the more expensive one's, however it's not always neccessary. Just make sure you get a good fine tip brush, they come in very handy with all projects.

If the two paints I mentioned aren't available in the U.S. don't hesitate to ask an experienced modeller at a good hobby shop. I'm sure they'll help!